CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Teachers and parents within the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District are calling for increased security measures on campuses after multiple loaded guns were found on school grounds during a two-month period.
The president of the Cleveland Heights Teachers Union tells 3News they want the district to act proactively and implement X-ray machines, metal detectors and a stricter cell phone policy within schools.
"A school building should be the safest place in a school day," Union President Karen Reger. “It should be the safest place in any day, and right now, it's not. You're safer going to a ballgame or safer going to the courthouse, going to the airport. All of those safety measures that they have, we should have too."
Since the start of the school year, there have been four incidents at Cleveland Heights High School where students have been arrested for bringing loaded guns. On Sept. 3, school staff found an 18-year-old with a loaded gun, and just over two weeks later, police found a 15-year-old with one.
On Oct. 7, Cleveland Heights Police say a 17-year-old tried to rob a student in a high school bathroom and brandished a gun. Three days after that, authorities say a teacher recovered a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine from a student's backpack.
The day after that fourth incident, the school district canceled classes and said they would be adjusting screening processes at the high school. On Wednesday, the district shared an updated statement with 3News about their official response to the incidents and community concerns:
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our students and staff. As a district, we work with our staff, families, students, school safety experts, law enforcement, and community partners to review and update our security structures. Earlier this month, the District held a community meeting to discuss the recent security issues at Heights High School with families, and we take the feedback shared with us seriously.
"We are committed to sharing information regarding matters of student safety with our school community. When we communicate, we must balance transparency with student privacy. We consistently review and revise our communication procedures and make adjustments as needed.
"As of October 14, 2024, all Heights High School students and visitors now go through the metal detector search process each school day at the high school. On October 20, 2024, the District performed a search of each Heights High School student locker and found zero weapons, other dangerous instrumentalities, or items that could pose a danger to our community. We are continuing to explore other safety and security structures for Heights High and all District schools. Additionally, our staff continue to work hard to develop trusting relationships with all students in order to foster a positive school culture and climate."
Reger says the teachers union needs a seat at the table in the safety planning discussions.
"I think that we try to have that open communication with our board, with our other administration," she added. "I think we have a good relationship, but it strains the relationship when our teachers are afraid and when our parents are afraid and when our kids are afraid."
Tiffany Scruggs, a parent of both a middle and high-schooler within the district, says she understands the district is in a difficult position. Though she was initially concerned administrators weren't being transparent about the incidents, she says she now understands they're limited by what they can share legally.
However, she does agree with Reger that increased security measures are important, saying she wants to see metal detectors at all entrances and top-of-the-line equipment.
"If we're going to use screening and metal detectors, then let's use it, and let's enhance our process so that as we move forward (and) folks that are thinking about coming to Cleveland Heights, University Heights know what to expect," Scruggs said.